1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

Programmable Logic Controllers

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Reeferforlyfe, Mar 28, 2012.

  1. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

    655
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    So I do a lot of programming for PLC's, right now just in school, but before it was at work as well. These things can do everything with the right programming, and was just curious to see if anyone out there utilizes a Plc for their tank?
    My next tank build, yes I just started a 180 a year ago, but my parents are moving to their cabin in Wisconsin and leaving me and my bro the house here in shueyville. Perfect time to start planning for a bigger build. 
    My new tank will be roughly 500 gallons, give or take a few. I want to incorporate a Plc into this build. Hook it up to everything, humidistat to control fans and ventilation, float switches for water, automated water changes, feed cycles, the WHOLE WORKS. 
    Who has done this, and if you guys know of anyone who has can you direct me to them or a thread?
    Thanks!
     
  2. Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,821 / 14 / -0
    Check out the website link in the first post of this thread

    http://www.greateriowareefsociety.org/Community/DiscussionForums/tabid/78/aft/26466/Default.aspx#97705

    He does his whole house on a monster PLC setup, if you know PLCs it's a great way to go IMO.
     
    Last edited: Apr 26, 2015
  3. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

    655
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Haha, yea I can program plcs have the software as well. Kind of a joke if you ask me, I can program a Plc but not my apex... Laugh!!! Thanks for the link bud!
     
  4. glaspie69

    glaspie69 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +41 / 2 / -0
    I dont know if i'd ever trust anything to change my water
     
  5. Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

    North liberty, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    Mike I work at a factory as a Mechanic. I keep the Machines running and we use a lot of the PLC there to control a lot of things. An electrician at work has one hooked up to his Christmas lights and it looks great. He has it programmed to do all kinds of stuff.
     
  6. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

    655
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    PLC's are pretty reliable man. Allen Bradley micro logix 1000 analog would be a good start. Even a SLK 500, gives me a ton of options. It's just like relying on your apex to do the work, except all your inputs and outputs are controlled by a 24 volt source, to kick on and off your 120v outputs. 
    As with everything automated, there's a chance they fail. From what I've seen and experienced tho, they are pretty reliable imo
     
  7. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

    655
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Where do you work potter, if you don't mind me asking. I graduate in 5 weeks, going to be looking for some work!
     
  8. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    I've learned/seen a very limited amount of PLC stuff from work. Definitely a cool idea and something I would like to learn more about.
     
  9. danmgray Well-Known ReefKeeper

    307
    Sioux City, IA
    Ratings:
    +26 / 0 / -0
    PLC's are nice because you can program them to do just about anything. Sure, they can loose their programs or go bad over time, but most are factory hardened and quite reliable. I would trust a PLC over my RKE, no question. If you are looking at a micrologix or a slc503/504, the pricing is pretty attractive too. I've bought quite a few on eBay, there are alway a lot to choose from. I shop for a deal and make sure there is a guarantee. I wish I would have bought up all the slc505's two years ago, becasue they are going for almost double the price now!

    I went with an RKE because it was a turnkey solution. I figured it would be quicker for me to learn to program a RKE than to get good at programming in rslogix. I also have not worked with analog modules, and didn't take the time to consider how I would tackle temp, ph, orp, etc. In the end, I'm heavily invested in my RKE, it's meeting most of my needs, and I'll probably stick with it. If I had a PLC....well, the sky is no limit.
     
  10. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

    655
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Get in touch with the guys at your work, and see if they can explain any questions you have. If you can write schematics, you can write a Plc program. Same concept just a few more hidden tricks! I also have a ton of books on PLC's that you could possibly borrow if you're interested. Once I'm done with them of course /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif
     
  11. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

    655
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Factory hardened, you bet! Those things can take a lickin and keep on tickin. Good thing is, if you ever lose your programming, as long as you saved a backup file, which rslogix 500 creates backup files automatically for you, you can revert to those if something happens. This is definitely going to be incorporated into my next tank build for sure. I'm excited. This is going to be a big build, actually probably a few years in the process. Good things happen to those who wait, and I'm going to be extra patient with this one. Piece by piece!
     
  12. Reeferforlyfe

    Reeferforlyfe Inactive User

    655
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Only downfall is that you need RSLynx and RSlogix 500, for people who don't have access to that as of now, those programs are EXPENSIVE!
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.